Summer in North Carolina is, in a word, HOT. And that’s especially true as we get further into July and August.

That’s why I always recommend knocking out your summer home improvement checklist as early as possible. After all, a happy home is a well-maintained home.

As a local realtor, I see many homeowners and renters who just don’t make time for the small tasks that make a big difference in one’s property. Not all of your summer projects need to be a full-fledged renovation, so don’t let that mentality stop you from getting started before things heat up. Instead, take baby steps!

If you’ve been meaning to get outside and prune your trees and shrubs, now is the perfect time. Take a Saturday afternoon to get your hands in the dirt. Refresh the mulch in your garden beds if you have time. Not only will it benefit your yard, but it’ll be good for you, too.

While you’re outside, remember to inspect your gutters and downspouts. July and August are our wettest months, so you want to be sure everything is flowing properly! And if you don’t have time to give your gutters a good cleaning, call my friends over at Stevens Homebuilding Group. They’ll help you out.

Of course, now is also a good time to inspect your roof and attic for leaks or damage (before you locate them the hard way). Other maintenance might include servicing your AC unit (you’re gonna need it!), inspecting and repairing window and door screens, and sealing any cracks in your driveway.

With the more labor-intensive jobs out of the way, one of my favorite things to do every summer is deep-clean my outdoor furniture and grill. (It’s barbeque season, y’all!) There’s something satisfying about hosing down all the tables and chairs, washing the covers, and then letting everything dry in the sunshine. This way, I don’t have to spend the season wondering if bugs are living between my couch cushions, you know?

And finally, my family loves putting together a summer bucket list and spending as much time as possible outdoors before it’s too hot to leave the AC for long. We know how important it is to balance work with play, and I’m sure you do, too.

So, wherever you are this summer, knock out that checklist—and then go have some fun!